Storm Babet safety advice from SEPA and SP Energy Networks

Power chiefs and Scotland's environmental watchdog are warning people to make sure they are prepared for the effects of bad weather expected to hit large parts of the country over the next few days.

A yellow Met Office warning is in place for Ayrshire, lasting from 6am on Thursday until 6am on Saturday, for heavy rain and strong winds. 

Road conditions are expected to deteriorate and public transport could be disrupted as the weather worsens. 

Electricity network operator SP Energy Networks has now shared advice to help customers keep safe in the event of any potential power cuts.

Guy Jefferson, chief operating officer of SP Energy Networks, said: “High winds and heavy rain increase potential damage to our power lines and the possibility for power cuts across our network.

"We have tried and tested plans in place for making sure we are able to respond as quickly as possible where issues do arise and have additional resources in place across the likely affected regions, but it’s important that our customers are also prepared, just in case.

“The most important thing to do if you experience a power cut is to let us know about it as soon as possible.

"Please don’t assume that we already know – report it to us by calling the national emergency helpline on 105.

"The sooner we know about any power cuts, the quicker we can get our engineers on the ground and working on restoring your supplies.”

Top tips to be prepared for a power outage include having a battery or wind-up torch, keeping your mobile charged and using blankets to keep the heating in.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has also issued advice around flooding to residents, with heavy rain expected to fall throughout the region.

A flood alert has been issued across Ayrshire and Arran alongside the Met Office's warning. 

While the warning for Ayrshire is not as severe as in other parts of the country - with a red 'danger to life' warning now having been issued for Angus and Aberdeenshire - SEPA says it's still important for residents in all areas to be prepared.

David Morgan, SEPA’s duty flood manager, said: “The forecast for the end of this week is showing extremely high rainfall totals, and people should be thinking now about the action they can take to protect themselves and their property.

"If you haven’t already signed up for Floodline, I would strongly advise you to do so. The service is free and can give you advance notice of flooding in your area. 

“Scotland experienced a significant rainfall event that caused extensive flooding in local communities only a few days ago, and with catchments still saturated we’re urging people to be prepared for flooding.

"We are looking at some forecast totals that are even higher over the next few days, so please do use this time to plan and prepare.   

“Further regional flood alerts and localised flood warnings will be issued as required over the coming days. We continue to work with the Met Office to monitor the situation 24/7.

"People can check our Flood Updates for all the latest information and the three-day Scottish Flood Forecast to see what conditions are expected further ahead.”